A temple to powder-shuffling soul power, Beatin’ Rhythm is a record shop staffed by people who eat, sleep and breathe music. There’s a stunning selection of rare soul 45s but they also do nice lines in Doo Wop, 50s Rock, Rockabilly and Country.

A mainstream chain cinema showing a mix of new releases and blockbusters. Located in The Great Northern Warehouse complex.

Situated in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas is an elegant, quality bar specialising in nearly 600 gins from around the world.

The Epic Apart Hotel offers 14 serviced apartments – and right righin the middle of the Ropewalks district, right behind FACT.

Artisan butchers on Tib Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Cask is a well-loved pub on Liverpool Road in Manchester. It has an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden.

Head to the Cheese Hamlet in West Didsbury for a huge range of cheese, must have deli items, and preserves.

With only 11 screens (only!), this is one of the smaller multiplexes in Greater Manchester – but its advantage is its location in the lush surrounds of Didsbury, not far from a roster of good bars, cafés and restaurants.

Formerly known as Cow & Co, Thoughtfully Café is a slice of heaven in a row of spruced-up facades just minutes from the chainstore central of Liverpool ONE. Outside, wooden…

Gothic Revival town hall built in 1865.

Now a Grade-II listed building, Brownsfield Mill in Manchester was constructed in 1825 as a power mill, and later housed the A.V. Roe and Company aviation factory. The former mill forms part of the Piccadilly Basin and is to undergo refurbishment for potential use as flats or office space.

A pub just off Chapel Street in Salford with a bit of a difference. As well as the usual selection of beers, wines and ales; The Kings Arms has a regular programme of theatre and comedy in its upstairs room.